The town was buzzing with excitement. Busses, transporters, and cars were entering Storybrooke every ten minutes.

Regina stood in front of the city hall as she watched the scene unfold. She bit her lower lip, as she spotted Kathryn.

"Hey, how was last night?" The blonde winked, turning to face the streets full of people.

"Surprisingly good," Regina answered, rather feeling Kathryn's big grin than seeing it.

"Uh, tell me – did you two do it?"

Regina rolled her eyes, a little sigh escaping her lips.

"No, we didn't do IT. We shared a nice dinner with my mother and Henry and talked afterwards."

"Well, you seem happy so I guess you are not just a snack on the road, right?" Kathryn pressed jokingly.

A small smile graced Regina's lips shortly, recalling Emma's promise. "No I am not."

"See, I told you so." Kathryn laughed, patting her friend's shoulder affectionately. "By the way, I had an envelope in the mail today."

"I'm glad you discovered the thing called mail this morning, Kathryn." Regina grinned, earning a light swat to the shoulder.

"Har…har…" She rolled her eyes, "Emma sent tickets, for Frederick and me."

Regina's eyebrows rose, as she looked in surprise at Kathryn. "That is really nice of her."

"It is, and she didn't want a date in return." She cackled, taking a step back so Regina couldn't playfully push her.

"Good for her." Regina said sternly.

"Yeah, so… Wanna tell me what happened, asides from dinner and talking?"

Regina sighed, facing her friend again. "Nothing much, but she promised that I am more than just a fling. We almost kissed, but Emma was a perfect gentlewoman."

Kathryn's eyes went wide, staring baffled at Regina. "What? Why didn't you tell me this sooner?"

"Because sometimes you are too nosey and I like to keep things to myself." Regina explained matter – of – factly.

Kathryn scoffed lightly, shaking her head. "Yeah right. Why didn't you kiss?"

"We both felt that it would be too soon. I just discovered my attraction to a woman and she's in the midst of preparing a big gig. It didn't feel right at that moment."

"Hmm… Yeah, that makes sense. I'm really looking forward to her gig. Fred has been checking out her live stuff and it is really good."

"Henry did the same. I haven't seen him this excited for a very long time." Regina chuckled.

"He is a huge fan of hers, I understand it. By the way, does he know that his mother is even a bigger fan of Swan?" Kathryn carefully asked.

Regina briefly closed her eyes, shaking her head no. "Not yet, it's too fresh. I doubt that he would have a problem with it though."

"Yeah, I understand. But why not tell him? I mean, he is a very open minded boy – unless it is Robin." The blonde laughed, fondly remembering the young boy's scoff, when he heard about the teacher's interest in Regina.

"I don't want him hurt, Kathryn. What if it doesn't work out? Emma and my lives are completely different." Regina sighed. She liked Emma a lot, the attraction was very intense, and yet she was still scared.

"Yes, let's see what time brings, okay?" Kathryn smiled softly at her best friend, stroking her hand.

Ruby handed Emma a cold bottle of water as the rapper squeezed her eyes close. "Please remind me to ask August why he always books interviews before a big gig."

From 8 AM until now – four hours later, Emma had been interviewed by several radio stations, magazines, and news channels.

She understood the concept; this was promotion and would do good to her music and career.

Which didn't make it any easier at times. At moments like these, Emma remembered one line from Eminem, her favorite rap artist:

I wanted the fame, but not the cover of Newsweek

Oh well, guess beggars can't be choosey

Wanted to receive attention for my music

Wanted to be left alone in public, excuse me.

"So, do I dare and ask?" Ruby started slowly, enjoying the midday sun on her face.

Emma's eyebrows rose, looking questioningly at her friend as she suddenly remembered. "Oh," she breathed, smiling brightly. "You are talking about yesterday night, right?"

At Ruby's nod, Emma made herself more comfortable. They were relaxing outside of the backstage area, away from prying eyes and the press.

"It went really good. Her mother is actually lovely, if not a bit frightening. I know where Regina got that from." She chuckled, her fingers running through her hair.

"We talked after dinner. She outright asked me if she was some sort of fling to me. I respect and adore that honesty, really."

"Wow, she's really honest. That is a good thing." Ruby nodded in agreement.

"Turns out, she's never been with a woman before and it sort of scares her – which I really understand." Emma explained, after taking a sip of her water."We almost kissed, but stopped before anything could happen. We both don't want to rush it, you know? She's a great woman and I don't wanna fuck it up." Emma said, biting her lower lip.

"Aww, you won't fuck it up, Em. Seriously, you are nothing but a great woman and person. I am sure she knows that. I mean, of course she's scared of being reduced to a fling or a one night stand." Ruby smiled, patting Emma's knee affectionately.

"Have I been giving off this vibe?" The artist asked incredulously.

"No, but you are younger and a musician," Ruby said, sighing. "Look at the other rappers, most of them are having multiple affairs and stuff."

Emma's brow crinkled as she thought about the industry and its reputation.

"Yeah, but that is stereotypical."

"It is and I am not saying Regina is stereotyping you. She's just insecure; you are her first woman – and a celebrity."

"I'm gonna prove her that I am not like the others." Emma mumbled, throwing the empty bottle into the trash.

"Great, that is easy. Just be yourself." Ruby winked, slowly getting up.

Regina's stomach clenched and at the same time, a horde of butterflies must have taken up residency there. She felt nauseous.

"Mom, you've checked your outfit about fifty times now." Henry sighed, as he looked at her through the mirror.

"Tone it down, Henry. I have a town to run and tonight will be a big night." She mumbled, fixing her lipstick again.

Henry snorted with a perfect eye roll, that only Regina could've invented. "You act like you are on a date, with a super hot dude."

She blinked – several times, before answering. "Oh Henry, didn't you know? Robin will be there too…"

Henry, who was brushing his teeth, almost choked on his toothbrush. Spitting out the toothpaste, he looked appalled at Regina.

"You are joking, right?"

Regina took her sweet time, as she put on her heels – not looking at her son.

"Mom, I asked you something."

Eventually looking up, she shot him a sweet smile. "I don't know? Am I?"

Narrowing his eyes, he stared at her, trying to figure it out by himself.

After another moment of silence, Regina broke out in laughter. "Of course I am joking, Henry!"

"You had me scared. I can't stand him – especially when he is swooning over you." The teenager grumbled.

"I believe he will be there too, but not with us – so do not worry, my sweet prince." She winked, patting his back as she walked out of the bathroom. "Kat and Fred will be here any second." She called over her shoulder.

Emma and the others sat in the backstage area, loud music blasting through several speakers.

Emma took a sip of her drink, as her head nodded along the beat of the music.

"You ready?" Hook asked, buttoning his vest as he smiled.

"I was born ready." She grinned, her eyes flicking between the door and Killian's face.

"You waiting for something?" He asked eventually, following her line of sight.

"Um, yeah… David and the others are supposed to join us before the show starts." She shrugged, taking a sip of her sour whisky.

"Ah, in other words the hot mayor is going to join us too, right?" He winked, leaning his hip against a table.

Emma rolled her eyes as she looked away from the door and to her friends. Everyone was ecstatic and thrilled. Emma smirked briefly, her eyes catching Ruby's wink.

A security guard brought Regina and the others after a few more minutes in. Emma grinned briefly as she made eye contact with the brunette.

"Good to see you all, we are preparing and warming up." She spoke to the group, briefly raising her cup. "Neal will show you where you are seated in a bit."

Regina looked around, most of the people were already familiar to her. She made eye contact with a younger woman, who wore not much except for a short black top and ripped shorts. Tilting her head to the side, she regarded that woman, confused. She had seen her before, but she couldn't put her finger on it just yet.

When Emma spoke to that woman, it clicked in Regina's head. It was the woman who danced on Emma's lap in her music video.

The brunette bit her lower lip as she grabbed Ruby's arm while the woman tried to walk past her. "Who is that?" Regina nodded her head towards Emma.

Ruby furrowed her brow and turned to look at Emma.

"Oh that is Jancey; she's one of our dancers." Ruby explained, watching Regina closely.

"Of course her name would end with a Y…" Regina whispered, letting go of Ruby's arm.

"Hey, mine ends the same way." The slender woman exclaimed, noticing how Regina rolled her eyes dismissively.

Henry chatted with Hook and David while the dark haired man explained some of his techniques.

Emma watched Regina while the brunette observed Jancey. The blonde furrowed her brow, her eyes going back and forth.

The rapper shook her head briefly, as she walked over to the brunette, while Jancey flashed her a big smile and joined the other dancers.

"Already checking out my dancers?" Emma joked, but earned a scoff from Regina.

"Clearly not, I just recognized her from your video."

Emma's eyebrows rose, as she looked surprised at her. "Which one?"

Regina rolled her eyes dramatically, a small sigh escaping her mouth. "First."

"Aaaah, yeah! I remember that, it was a backstage shot." The blonde explained after the clarification.

"Emma," Neal rushed to her. "Ten minutes."

The blonde nodded at this, turning to the small crowd. "Okay guys," she called out. "Let's get ready for our ritual."

The guards and Neal ushered the others out, but Emma stopped Regina briefly. "I'll see you after the show, right?"

Regina bit her lower lip, looking at Emma's warm hand on her arm. "Yes, although I don't know how long I will be here, because of Henry."

Emma nodded at that, her thumb lightly caressing Regina's arm.

Once the brunette was out of the room, Neal led them down the hall to a more secluded space.

Bass drowned everything out as lights flickered. The stage remained dark, while the fans scream and chanted.

Waiters came up to Regina and the others, bringing drinks and snacks.

Suddenly the stage lit up and Emma stood right in the middle raising the microphone to her mouth.

Now you're gone

Now you are gone, life moves on without you

You always wanted me to write a song about you

Where to begin? I caught her in a fling

They've been asking where you've been so I thought I'd fill them in

See there's nothing that I wouldn't put past you

When she got a lot of men that's the harsh truth

You find the truth hard to swallow? Gotta ask you

Kind regards I've been doing well these past few

She's a master with plans and a terrible feud

Leaving scars on a person if she's ever pursued

Even after you're damned and aware of the wound

Your beating heart's in her hand like the 'Temple of Doom'

She's a beast in disguise of a sweet song siren

That feasts on admirers so keep on driving

Unleashed like the virus, Khaleesi, we're blinded

And weak so she think she can keep on lying?

Enough is enough it's just counter productive

When trust is inductive to being so fucked with

And love is a high you can buy in a substance

Know what? Fuck this, it was always destructive

I'm a let you know, I've yet you go

You'll never affect my mode get dressed and go

You better test the road so step and know

You're left alone to be another stepping stone, it goes

Regina quirked one eyebrow as she listened to the song wondering about the issue. This was clearly a breakup song.

"How are you all doing?" Emma spoke into the mic and smiled at her fans. She grinned at Ruby, who stood next to her.

The show was impressive; most of the songs were about life.

"This finale song will be a premiere. A thank you to each and everyone." Emma smiled to her fans, and then to her friends. Her eyes lingered a little longer on Regina, who smiled brightly back.

Make it happen

The definition of greatness

Is in the making you're witnessing the amazing

Blame me if you awaken

You've been sleeping too long on the one who was chosen mufucka

You're probably unaware but I'm here to let you know it

Take a listen, shut the fuck up for once and just enjoy it: Real Music

Bullshit on the daily? Try to avoid it

Your life's ass, similar to a toilet huh?

You see me living chasing everything I wanted, huh?

Forever blunted, ready for whatever coming, huh?

The mailman keep the check coming

The cash in keep the 'vette running

Stop sign? Bitch I run that

Look at where I hung at,

Bunch of Eastside boys on the field, punt that

Ball 4 life

Me and the crew living for the moment

Everything we wanted is ours

Two guys suddenly appeared on stage – confetti gun in their hands, as they shot towards the sky.

Emma laughed and shook her head quickly, freeing it from the confetti.

Ruby sang the hook together with Emma, as she wrapped an arm around Hook's shoulder.

Put me in a fast car,

Big house with a beach for a backyard

Stress free cause I ain't trying to live with it

The state of mind that I'm in got me thinking different

I used to dream until I realized it wasn't shit in reality

Cause you can make it happen

And I'ma make it happen

You gon' watch me make it happen bet you gon remember me

When you see me in that fast car,

Big house with a beach for a backyard

Stress free I ain't trying to live with it

The state of mind that I'm in got me thinking different

I used to dream until I realized it wasn't shit in reality

Cause you can make it happen

And I'ma make it happen

You gon' watch me make it happen

Bet they gon remember me

Emma walked to the front of the stage, as she touched hands with her fans, starting her next part.

Damn

So many people got them hating faces

Like why you mad at me? I'm just out here getting faces

Irritated with these bitches and their crazy ways

When all I wanted was some head on a lazy day, damn

(Where you been?)

On the other side of the map taking naps in first class getting paid to rap

Paid off having jobs since the seventh grade

Got laid off ever since I've been self made

See my homie want to see me win

Fronted me some bands told me "Youngin go and get it in"

He believed in it more than I, So I gotta ride

Down to die for my dawgs, yep

Opportunity took advantage I gotta manage

Even when it's hard, hard times, yea, what would I be without it?

The struggle made me tougher, forcing me to hustle

Money in demand, fuck fame ain't nothing but trouble dawg

I'm never perfect, I got flaws like a lot of ya'll

Who be critizing on the low, hating on ya girl

Ya'll defensive maybe that's why I offend you

When I dribble through my legs in the mall when it's time to ball

Life on the edge, hope I never fall

Though you pray I do, what a shame, but I maintain shooting for the stars

Let it bang bitch I'm out of range

And just know I shoot back with my rap name

Emma waved at everybody as smiled brightly and exited the stage.

Henry was first to run into her, "Oh my god, this was amazing Emma! Thank you for the opportunity!" The boy said, his eyes sparkling.

Emma grinned brightly, patting his shoulder as she saw Regina and the others slowly approaching her.

"This was something!" David winked. Everyone was ecstatic about the concert.

"Thank you guys, really. I'm going to change out of these sweaty clothes, then I'll be with you in a minute."

Emma entered her dressing room, searching for fresh clothes as someone opened the door.

The blonde saw Regina, who looked bewildered at her. Suddenly the brunette lunged forward, taking Emma's face between her hands.

"This was amazing." She breathed. Emma gulped, her eyes searching the brunette's.

"Tha…Thank you. Regina, I'm all sweaty." She chuckled, her hands resting on Regina's back.

"I don't care." Regina whispered, her lips hovering over Emma's.